Tanzania Struggles With Noise Pollution as Health Concerns Grow

Despite having regulations in place to address noise pollution, Tanzania continues to face challenges enforcing these rules, particularly in its bustling urban centers.

With the steady expansion of cities and the ever-growing hustle and bustle of daily life, residents and experts alike are expressing concerns about the impact of unchecked noise on public health and well-being.

Noise pollution has been linked to a range of health issues, including stress, heart problems, mental health challenges, and sleep disorders. Yet, the growing cacophony in cities like Dar es Salaam remains largely unregulated, leaving residents to deal with its consequences.

A survey conducted in Dar es Salaam paints a vivid picture of the issue. From crowded markets to major bus terminals, loud and disruptive noise has become part of the urban landscape. Markets such as Ilala, Karume, Buguruni, Tandika, and Mbagala are particularly notorious. In these areas, traders use loudspeakers to call out to customers, creating a relentless din. Similarly, bus terminals like Mbezi Mwisho are hotspots where vendors and transport operators add to the unceasing noise.

Residents living near these areas are feeling the strain. “It’s impossible to have peace in my neighborhood,” said Fatima Ndemu, a resident of Ilala. “Whether it’s day or night, there’s always some form of noise that makes it hard to concentrate or even sleep.”

While Tanzania has regulations aimed at controlling noise levels, enforcement has been inconsistent at best. Authorities often struggle to monitor and regulate noise sources effectively, leaving gaps that contribute to the problem.

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Health experts are sounding the alarm about the long-term consequences of neglecting noise pollution. “This isn’t just about inconvenience—it’s a public health issue,” explained Dr. Benjamin Kavishe, a public health expert. “Exposure to high levels of noise over time can have serious effects on mental and physical health. We need more proactive measures to address this.”

Despite the growing concerns, solutions remain elusive. Public awareness about the dangers of noise pollution is low, and many people view it as a normal part of city life rather than a pressing issue. This mindset, combined with weak enforcement, has created a cycle that’s difficult to break.

The government has acknowledged the problem and promised to strengthen measures to curb noise pollution. However, residents remain skeptical. “We’ve heard these promises before, but nothing changes,” said Joseph Mwakyembe, a trader in Tandika. “The noise just keeps getting worse.”